The Maryland National Guard has a new ride designed for medical evacuation, search and rescue missions, and drug interventions.

Officials at Camp Fretterd said the new UH 72 Lakota chopper is lighter, more mobile and is equipped with plenty of high-tech bells and whistles.

Advertisement

"To see technology like this right off the shelf, basically a turn-key operation, it really greatly enhances our security missions," said Battalion Cmdr. Michael Whelan. "It's a lot of fun to fly. It's the best aircraft I’ve ever flown. I'm pinching myself to be able to do this."

“It can fly and take off in winds up to 50 knots, it doubles the capability for loads, it has tremendous communication capability. It's a state-of-the-art aircraft for our state-of-the-art pilots,” said Maj. Gen. James Atkins, Adjutant General of Maryland.

The Lakota, one of four in Maryland, is the latest edition to the 1-224th Aviation Security and Support Battalion. Its primary mission will be general air support, but the Lakota will also serve as a medical evacuation helicopter and assist in search-and-rescue missions and drug interventions.

"So, if St. Mary’s County police request us to help them find some local growers, we would go to where they are, pick those guys up and then go and look for marijuana growers throughout the state," said Maryland Army National Guard member Renonzo Belcher.

Members of the Maryland National Guard will use the Lakota when they are deployed in June to help with border enforcement.

"In just a couple of months, two of our aircraft will be leaving for the southwest border patrol to augment and support customs and border protections, and that mission will last until the end of the year," Whelan said.